Online Marketplace Scams

Selling your unwanted items online can be a great way to make some extra cash. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other sites attract a lot of buyers—and scammers. It’s important to always beware of who you’re interacting with on online marketplaces and how scammers target you for identity theft and fraud. Many sites recommend selling your stuff to a local buyer you can meet in-person and only accepting cash payments. If you’re not selling locally, see what seller protections the site offers.

To avoid a scam:

  • Don’t accept a mobile payment from someone you don’t know.
  • Never deposit a check for more than the selling price.
  • Don’t share your Google Voice verification code—or any verification code—with someone you don’t know.